The White House President George W. Bush |
Print this document |
Welcome to "Ask the White House" -- an online interactive forum where you can submit questions to Administration officials and friends of the White House. Visit the "Ask the White House" archives to read other discussions with White House officials.
|
|
May 31, 2005
Jim Nicholson
Good afternoon. Im Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson. This past weekend, America paused at sites all across the Nation for our annual observance of Memorial Day. Memorial Day began in 1868 when veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic began decorating the graves of Civil War dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John Logan declared it should be on May 30 because flowers would then be in bloom across the country. It was widely known as Decoration Day until 1971 when Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to honor those who died in all American wars. In 2000, Congress passed The National Moment of Remembrance Act with the intent of encouraging the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity. The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation, and Id like to say Thank You to those who took part in that observance Monday. Over the Memorial Day weekend, I did many interviews in the media on the meaning and importance of this somber observance. USA Today printed my letter to their editors about Memorial Day, and I spread the same message in network and cable television news appearances, on network radio newscasts and on national talk radio shows, so Im looking forward to your questions today. Raaya, from Giddings, Tx
writes: Raaya Jim Nicholson
As Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I have what I believe to be the noblest mission in the entire Cabinet -- to provide for the care and benefits that our veterans have earned in service to our Nation, and to ensure that those who died in that service are never forgotten. We are currently working very closely with the Department of Defense to ensure that our newest veterans, those returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, have what we call a "seamless transition" from the active duty military to civilian life with the full array of VA benefits they have earned coming to them as soon as they leave service. But thats just the tip of the iceberg. Veterans Affairs will provide comprehensive health care services to more than five million veterans this year; administer education benefits that will help veterans get their college degree; guarantee tens of thousands of home loans for veterans and their families. These returning veterans took time away from their civilian lives to serve us. Now, its turn to serve them.
Tighe, from Arlington, VA
writes: Jim Nicholson Sheila, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
writes: In addition to participating in the event with the President, what other events did you attend throughout the weekend to commemorate Veterans? Thank you very much for serving our country. Jim Nicholson
In addition to the Arlington National Cemetery event with President Bush, I attended a prayer breakfast at the White House and also addressed a large gathering at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. We also had key officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs participating in observances at our 120 national cemeteries across the country. William, from Miami FL
writes: Jim Nicholson
Thank you for asking a great question. The easiest and most effective way in which to help our veterans is by volunteering at your local VA medical center. The need for volunteers has never been greater, and no one is more appreciative than our hospitalized veterans. You seem to know your way around a computer pretty well, so you might start by visiting www.va.gov. Click on our Health Benefits and Services section on the home page and follow the Locate a VA Medical Center link to our map of the United States. Just click on your home state and you can find contact information for all Veterans Affairs facilities. You can also call toll-free, 1-800-827-1000 and ask for the VA hospital nearest you.
Kent, from Cleveland writes: I'm sure they are all very moving to personally experience. Thank you, Kent. Jim Nicholson
It's hard to express my feelings of standing next to the President of the United States as he places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. It is an incredibly special place, dating back as far as it does in American history and being the eternal resting place of so many heroes. I remember a few years ago when Hurricane Isabel was bearing down on Washington and the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns refused to leave their post, even as the storm raged on. That is the sort of dedication inspired by the Tomb of the Unknowns and its a source of pride for all Americans.
Gladys, from Quebec,Canada writes: Jim Nicholson
I think it is important for all of us to remind ourselves that we are engaged in a very demanding war. More than 1,700 Americans have fallen in the Global War on Terrorism and we owe it to them and their families to never forget what they did for our Nation. Memorial Day is always a time of remembrance, but its during times like were living in today that we are especially reminded of the high price of freedom and the enormous burden shouldered by all our men and women in uniform.
Leonard, from Arizona writes: Jim Nicholson Adam, from Milwaukee, WI
writes: Jim Nicholson Kirk, from Milwaukee, WI
writes: Jim Nicholson
Jim Nicholson As for the living, weve already treated more than 63,000 OIF/OEF veterans in the Veterans Affairs health care system. Caring for our Nations veterans is our mission at VA but you can help too. I encourage all of you to consider volunteering at VA facilities to help those who have served and sacrificed for all of us. They deserve nothing less than our best efforts. Thank you! |